FORT WORTH, Texas — Two Fort Worth firefighters were injured while responding to a residential fire in the Historic Southside neighborhood, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department. Lieutenant Troy Gallagher has been released from the hospital, while Firefighter Caleb Halvorson remains in stable condition at Parkland Hospital’s burn unit.
Firefighter Halvorson, who has been with the department for three years, sustained significant injuries, including second- and third-degree burns, a severely dislocated knee, and other musculoskeletal injuries. He was trapped under heavy roof debris during the fire and was unable to reach his radio to call for help. Fellow firefighters extricated him within two minutes, and he was airlifted to the hospital, stated the Fort Worth Fire Department.
Lieutenant Gallagher, who has served with the department since 2001, was also injured while rescuing Halvorson but is expected to make a full recovery. The fire, which required a second alarm to ensure adequate manpower, was brought under control after nearly an hour. The cause of the fire is under investigation, and no residents were home at the time.
The Halvorson family is facing additional challenges as Caleb’s wife, Haley, cares for their newborn in the NICU. The family expressed gratitude for the support from firefighters and the community. A fundraising link has been shared to assist the Halvorson family financially, according to the Fort Worth Fire Department.